While addressing a plea challenging advertisements that cause delays in the start of movies in cinema halls, the Madhya Pradesh High Court emphasized the need for meaningful discussions between the Central and State governments and all relevant stakeholders.
A Bench comprising Justice Anand Pathak and Justice Hirdesh observed,
"...this Court expects the authorities to engage in meaningful discussion with all stakeholders because one can not forget that "Time is a valuable Resource " and how the divergent views can be reconciled, is to be seen by the respondents."
A law student from Gwalior filed a petition against multiplex cinemas, alleging that they exceed the stipulated advertisement duration, causing inconvenience to moviegoers. She contended that despite the tickets mentioning a specific movie start time, screenings are delayed due to prolonged ads, disrupting viewers' schedules.
At the outset, a Bench observed that the matter does not yet seem ripe for judicial intervention and requires administrative discussion and resolution.
"It is to be discussed and decided at policymaking stage as well as at the stage of administrative decision-making so that multiple stakeholders involved into it, may be consulted and due deliberations/discussions be carried out at appropriate level by the concerned authorities. Thereafter, if required, appropriate decision/guidelines be prepared and passed," the Court held.
The Court clarified that it does not intend to delve into subjective considerations at this stage.
Emphasizing the need for an objective approach, the Bench noted that a decision can only be made after consulting all stakeholders, following which the Union government must take appropriate action.
The plea argued that exhibitors should provide accurate show timings, allowing viewers to plan accordingly. The petitioner also referenced a proposed law in Connecticut, USA, which mandates the disclosure of actual movie start times, and suggested implementing similar provisions in India. She had previously submitted a representation to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, urging intervention on the matter.
Accordingly, the petitioner sought the formulation and enforcement of guidelines ensuring that all movie theatres in India strictly adhere to the advertised showtime on tickets. Alternatively, she requested a directive mandating the inclusion of two separate timings on movie tickets:
Granting the petitioner liberty to submit a copy of the plea along with a detailed representation, the Court directed the authorities to objectively assess the issue. It further stated that the matter should be discussed and decided in accordance with the law, considering inputs from all relevant stakeholders.
Advocate Yogesh Chaturvedi appeared for the petitioner.
Deputy Solicitor General Praveen Kumar Newaskar represented the Central government.
Advocate AK Nirankari appeared for the State.
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